Shahariar Mahi and Raiyan Tahrim
Sadik Kayem
Sadik Kayem is a student of the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, from the 2016–17 academic session. He was leading in the Ducsu election for the vice-president post, representing the ‘Oikkoboddho Shikkharthi Jote’ panel, supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir.”
Currently, he is also serving as the central publication secretary and DU unit president of Shibir. On election day, after casting his vote at the Udayan School and College centre, he called upon students to keep faith in democratic practices.
In his panel manifesto, Kayem highlighted promises such as temporary halls and residential allowances for first-year students, construction of new halls to resolve seat shortages in the long term, safe transport for female students, maternity leave, childcare corners, the appointment of female staff, and the establishment of a guardianship system.
Alongside these, for the improvement of education quality, Kayem pledged initiatives such as e-libraries and computer centres, research grants, mentorship programmes, teacher evaluations, travel allowances, paperless administration, one-stop services, launching the Ducsu website and apps, and expanding existing libraries.
His campaign particularly emphasised the promise of ensuring equal opportunities for marginalised, female, and economically disadvantaged students. Reflecting an inclusive stance, he said, “There will be no discrimination in the name of mahram-non-mahram or hijab.”
However, before and during the polls, he raised allegations regarding the Election Commission’s code of conduct and management, accusing the Election Commission of bias.
During the election period, reports of pre-marked ballots already in his name and violations of the code of conduct in polling centres stirred tension and made the situation more complex.
In addition, three major criticisms surrounding him have already spread widely among students, on social media, and in the news media.
First, his past political identity has been questioned. On social media, a video of him chanting slogans with Chhatra League has surfaced, sparking controversy. His association with two ideologically opposite organisations has raised doubts about his political stance.
Although he gained recognition as one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, other leaders of the movement later raised questions about his role.
Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party, claimed that Sadik Kayem began introducing himself as a coordinator only after August 5, following the fall of the Awami regime. Prior to that, Kayem had not held such a position in the movement.
Then, in September 2024, he introduced himself as the president of the Dhaka University unit of Chhatra Shibir.
Second, there is duality regarding women’s issues. On the one hand, he was praised for pledges such as safe transportation for female students and maternity leave.
On the other hand, critics argued that since Islami Chhatra Shibir traditionally holds rigid views on women’s freedom, his promises might merely be an electoral strategy rather than a genuine liberal stance.
Third, the Liberation War issue. There are allegations that his organisation has questioned the ideals of the Liberation War. However, he directly denied this allegation. As a result, his position on this matter remains unclear among students.
Furthermore, he has sharply criticised the Shahbagh Movement and its supporters, whom he referred to as “Shahbagis.”
He described the Shahbagh Movement as one that “legitimised a fascist regime” and was responsible for creating a culture of “extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.”
SM Farhad
SM Farhad is a student at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at the University of Dhaka, from the 2017–18 academic session. He was leading in the Ducsu election for the general secretary post, representing the ‘Oikkoboddho Shikkharthi Jote’ panel.
At the same time, he is currently serving as the president of the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir.
In his election campaign, Farhad pledged to build an inclusive and improved educational environment for students. He particularly emphasised ensuring the safety and facilities for female students.
In the panel manifesto, Farhad highlighted promises such as safe transportation, maternity leave, self-defence training, and a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment and cyberbullying.
Alongside these, he proposed programmes such as appointing female staff in common rooms, establishing breastfeeding rooms, and childcare corners. He said, “Our panel represents Muslims and non-Muslims, Bengalis and non-Bengalis, hijabi and non-hijabi – everyone.”
However, his candidacy sparked a heated debate in this year’s Ducsu polls.
Allegations of his previous involvement as a committee member of the Chhatra League, the writ petition filed in court based on those allegations, and the resulting suspension of the Ducsu election generated widespread discussion and criticism.
SM Farhad was the joint general secretary of the Chhatra League back in 2022 at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka.
He, however, dismissed these allegations as part of propaganda and baseless rumours, saying, “These are actually part of a transparent process, and I am taking it positively.” He further added that the questions about his political identity would not impact his honesty or his candidacy.
